The grain pounder is a technology that is found in traditions around the world. Essentially an oversized mortal and pestle, it is crucial in the process of converting grain into flour. Traditional grain pounder designs often blur the lines between ancient function and modern design.

Meticulously carved of wood, they would be passed down from generation to generation and are still used to this day across modern day Nubia. Bread made from pounded grain (Habba in Arabic) was highly revered as an offering to Isis and Osiris, deities upheld by both the ancient Egyptians and Nubians. More than meer bodily sustenance, grain and bread were seen as a form of spiritual sustenance as well.

This piece is made on the wheel in two pieces using a sculptural clay, assembled, and the finishing details are sculpted by hand. It is finished with a textured white glaze that is custom-blended and sprayed by hand.

Photos 1-4 of the 13 inch Habba, 5&6 are of the 10 inch Habba